There are times when we feel like we need to have all the answers. If we call ourselves Christians, surely this means we have to be ready with a wise answer to every life question we’re ever faced with, right?!
The much-beloved author and speaker Annie F. Downs says that’s not really the case at all.
“I’ve been a believer since I was five. So, for thirty five years plus, I’ve been in some sort of journey with God. And I feel like I know way less today than I did twenty years ago! I have way more questions, way fewer answers, and way more peace. And I think that’s okay.”
“My friend Jonathon Merritt says that he thinks sometimes God shows up in the questions more than He shows up in the answers. I’m experiencing that, and so I don’t feel dismayed. He can handle our disappointment and sadness. I have friends that aren’t believers, and they’ll ask me questions, and – at times – I’ll have to say, ‘I can’t tell you why.’ There are other times I go, ‘Right? That’s terrible, and I don’t know why that’s the way it is.'”
By discovering that God didn’t need her brilliance to do His work, Annie found a freeing truth.
“If you’re praying for somebody to meet Jesus that doesn’t know Him – every move you make doesn’t determine whether they get saved or not. God draws them to Himself with His kindness. And the best thing we can do is to be open and honest. To love people so deeply. Let God defend himself, and let God be the One who deals with people’s disappointment. Let God be the One who draws people to His own Self. Into His own heart.”
Annie F. Downs is a bestselling author, a self-proclaimed loud laugher, and a national speaker. Her latest book, just unleashed, is called .
On the Road with Annie F. Downs
